Articles with odor-controlling composition

ABSTRACT

Articles are treated with a reduced amount of a halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound of Formula (I): 
                         
wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , and R 5  are independently selected from hydrogen, COOR′, CON(R″) 2 , alkoxy, CN, NO 2 , SO 3 R″, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, sulfonamide, halosulfonamide, and substituted or unsubstituted C 1 -C 12  alkyl; R′ is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, substituted C 1 -C 12  alkyl, or unsubstituted C 1 -C 12  alkyl; and R″ is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C 1 -C 12  alkyl, where the two R″ groups in CON(R″) 2  may be independently selected; X is halogen; M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; and n is the number of water molecules per molecule of the sulfonamide compound. The compound effectively suppresses odors pre-use, in use, and post-use for extended periods of time.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/113,768, filed on Feb. 9, 2015. This application is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/105,954,filed on May 12, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/334,678, filed May 14, 2010. The disclosure ofthese applications are hereby fully incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to compounds having odor controlcharacteristics.

Absorbent members, such as pads, find widespread use in absorbing bodyor bodily fluids in articles such as catamenial devices, diapers (bothfor babies and individuals with incontinence problems), sanitarynapkins, tampons, wound dressings, and bandages. Such absorbent membersmay incorporate super absorbent polymers (which absorb many times theirown weight of fluid) or other fibrous materials, such as cotton, woodpulp, and paper. The bodily fluids absorbed by such absorbent membersmay include vomit, blood, pus, sweat, semen, secretions, menstrualdischarge, urine, and fecal matter.

The bodily fluid may have an unpleasant odor (malodor) due toodor-causing molecules which may be aliphatic, aromatic, or heterocycliccompounds containing oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen. The odor-causingmolecules can be masked using a more pleasant smelling molecule, such asa perfume. However, it would be desirable to alter, neutralize, and/ordestroy the odor-causing molecule instead. It would also be beneficialto provide improved bodily fluid absorbent members having enhanced odorcontrol properties. Particularly, it would be desirable to neutralizeand/or destroy odor-causing molecules that are generated/released overan extended period of time, allowing for extended treated article wearand easy undetectable disposition of said article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are odor-controlling articlesthat can be used to absorb various bodily fluids. The odor-controllingarticles include compositions comprising a halo active aromaticsulfonamide compound according to Formula (I), shown herein.

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen,COOR′, CON(R″)₂, alkoxy, CN, NO₂, SO₃R″, halogen, substituted orunsubstituted phenyl, sulfonamide, halosulfonamide, and substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl;

R′ is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, substitutedC₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; and

R″ is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, where thetwo R″ groups in CON(R″)₂ may be independently selected;

X is halogen;

M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; and

n is the number of water molecules per molecule of the sulfonamidecompound. The articles include a reduced amount of the sulfonamidecompound compared to those previously described, such as from about0.0002 to about 6 milligrams of the sulfonamide compound per milliliter(mg/mL) of absorbent capacity of the absorbent member.

In particular embodiments, R₃ is COOR′. In particular, R′ is an alkalior alkaline earth metal. In still more embodiments, R₃ is methyl, COOH,or COOM₁, with the other R groups being hydrogen.

In yet more embodiments, R₃ is selected from COOH, COOM₁, COOR′,CON(R″)₂, CN, NO₂, halogen, and substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₂alkyl. The other R groups are usually hydrogen in those embodiments. Inmore specific embodiments, R₃ is selected from COOH, COOM₁, COOR′, andCON(R″)₂.

In particular embodiments, the sulfonamide compounds are of Formulas(III) or (IV):

wherein M₂ is hydrogen, an alkali metal, or an alkali earth metal; X ishalogen, M is independently an alkali or alkaline earth metal; and n isthe number of water molecules per molecule of each sulfonamide compound.

In particular embodiments, a buffering agent is present as well, such assodium bicarbonate. The weight ratio of the halo active aromaticsulfonamide compound to the buffering agent can be from about 50:1 toabout 1:1. Alternatively, the buffering agent is present in a quantitysufficient to obtain a pH of 7.0 to 9.0 when the absorbent member iswetted (typically with urine, which is somewhat acidic).

In more embodiments, the halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound isencapsulated in a water-soluble shell. This allows the sulfonamide to bereleased over time as the shell dissolves, enhancing the lifetime of theodor-controlling effect.

The halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound may be applied to anarticle in the form of an odor-controlling composition that alsocomprises a solvent. The halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound canbe from about 0.1% to about 23% (w/v) of the composition, or from about0.1% to 5% (w/v) of the composition, or from about 10% to about 20%(w/v) of the composition. The composition may have a pH of 7.0 to 9.0.

It is contemplated that the halo active aromatic sulfonamide compoundmay be in the form of a solid, which is dispersed on or within theabsorbent substrate. For example, the absorbent substrate can be made ofa super absorbent polymer.

Also disclosed is an article comprising: an absorbent substrate; anddisposed thereon a halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound of Formula(I):

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen,COOR′, CON(R″)₂, alkoxy, CN, NO₂, SO₃R″, halogen, substituted orunsubstituted phenyl, sulfonamide, halosulfonamide, and substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl;R′ is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, substitutedC₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; andR″ is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, where thetwo R″ groups in CON(R″)₂ may be independently selected;X is halogen;M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; andn is the number of water molecules per molecule of the sulfonamidecompound.

The absorbent substrate can be made from an absorbent material such as apolymer, a non-woven material, cellulosic fiber, or wood fluff. Theabsorbent substrate could be in the form of a flat sheet. The absorbentsubstrate may be used in a diaper, an adult incontinence article, asanitary napkin, a tampon, a wound dressing, or a bandage, wipe, or apad.

The weight ratio of the halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound to theabsorbent substrate can be from about 0.001 to about 1.0 grams per gramof the absorbent substrate. The odor-controlling article can be made bytreating the absorbent substrate with the odor controlling compositionand then drying to obtain the odor-controlling article. The absorbentsubstrate can be treated by dipping, spraying, or washing.

Also disclosed are processes for reducing the odor of an odorific liquidfor a time period of at least one week, comprising: receiving theodorific liquid in an article comprising an absorbent substrate havingthereon a halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound of Formula (I):

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen,COOR′, CON(R″)₂, alkoxy, CN, NO₂, SO₃R″, halogen, substituted orunsubstituted phenyl, sulfonamide, halosulfonamide, and substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl;R′ is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, substitutedC₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; andR″ is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, where thetwo R″ groups in CON(R″)₂ may be independently selected;X is halogen;M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; andn is the number of water molecules per molecule of the sulfonamidecompound.

In particular, the odor of the liquid after one week may be at most 40%of the original odor, using a measuring system as explained herein.

Also contemplated are other deodorant or body odor products that use theodor-controlling composition comprising the sulfonamide compound ofFormula (I). These use the same mechanism of odor control.

These and other non-limiting features or characteristics of the presentdisclosure will be further described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a brief description of the drawings, which arepresented for the purposes of illustrating the exemplary embodimentsdisclosed herein and not for the purposes of limiting the same.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a diaper containing an absorbentmember/substrate of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2C are a set of graphs comparing the urine odor reduction over24 hours between an untreated and a treated Depends® adult incontinenceproducts from three individuals. FIG. 2A is for a 46-year old female onan asparagus diet. FIG. 2B is for a 40-year old female on an asparagusdiet. FIG. 2C is for a 30-year old female on a coffee diet. Odor wasevaluated on a scale from 0 to 10 (y-axis), with 10 representing strongodor.

FIG. 3 is a graph comparing the urine odor reduction over 24 hoursbetween an untreated and a treated Depends® adult incontinence productfrom a 71-year old female. Odor was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10(y-axis), with 10 representing strong odor.

FIG. 4 is a graph comparing urine odor reduction after multiple voidsbetween an untreated and a treated Always® Discreet adult incontinenceproduct. Odor was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10 (y-axis), with 10representing strong odor.

FIG. 5 is a graph comparing urine odor reduction after overnight voidbetween an untreated and a treated Always® Discreet adult incontinenceproduct. Odor was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10 (y-axis), with 10representing strong odor.

FIG. 6 is a graph comparing the odor reduction of the active sulfonamidecompounds against a control for two different types of feminine pads.

FIG. 7 is a graph comparing the odor reduction over time for threedifferent treated pet pads, plus a fourth control pad, using differentodor-controlling compositions.

FIG. 8 is a graph comparing odor reduction over time for two differentcompositions (ODOGard® versus Nature's Miracle®).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A more complete understanding of the components, processes, andapparatuses disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to theaccompanying drawings. These figures are merely schematicrepresentations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating thepresent disclosure, and are, therefore, not intended to indicaterelative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/orto define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

Although specific terms are used in the following description for thesake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to theparticular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in thedrawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of thedisclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it isto be understood that like numeric designations refer to components oflike function.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising”may include the embodiments “consisting of” and “consisting essentiallyof.” The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,”“contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to beopen-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require thepresence of the named ingredients/steps and permit the presence of otheringredients/steps. However, such description should be construed as alsodescribing compositions or processes as “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” the enumerated ingredients/steps, which allows thepresence of only the named ingredients/steps, along with any impuritiesthat might result therefrom, and excludes other ingredients/steps.

Numerical values in the specification and claims of this applicationshould be understood to include numerical values which are the same whenreduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical valueswhich differ from the stated value by less than the experimental errorof conventional measurement technique of the type described in thepresent application to determine the value.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint andindependently combinable (for example, the range of “from 2 to 10” isinclusive of the endpoints, 2 and 10, and all the intermediate values).

The term “about” can be used to include any numerical value that canvary without changing the basic function of that value. When used with arange, “about” also discloses the range defined by the absolute valuesof the two endpoints, e.g. “about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range“from 2 to 4.” The term “about” may refer to plus or minus 10% of theindicated number.

The term “article” is used to refer to an item or object, and should notbe construed as limiting such items due to size. It is specificallycontemplated that smaller items can be assembled to form a larger item,and both the small and large items will be referred to herein as“articles”.

Halo active aromatic sulfonamide organic compounds are known.Chloramine-T is an example of a sulfonamide organic compound which hasbeen used in many applications. The usefulness of Chloramine-T ispredicated on its ability to release an active Cl+ ion when needed ondemand, immediately after which, it simultaneously generates an activearomatic sulfo nitrene companion ion. The active Cl+ ion and thecompanion aromatic sulfo nitrene ion may work together to degradeodor-causing molecules. The term “Cl+” refers to the fact that thechlorine atom has a +1 formal charge in a hypochlorite ion, ClO⁻, whichis the form taken by the chlorine atom when dissociated from thesulfonamide compound. A chlorine atom is generally considered to have acharge of 1⁻. Reference to the chlorine atom as having a +1 or 1⁻ chargemay be used in this application interchangeably because this terminologyhas no effect on the compound itself or its use.

Most odor causing molecules are mercaptans, sulfides, heterocyclic oramine based compounds. Halo active aromatic sulfonamide compounds areexcellent agents for eliminating odors from these classes of compoundsas both the Cl+ cations and the sulfonamide moiety remaining after theCl+ cations are produced, react with the odor causing molecule(s).

The odor-controlling articles of the present disclosure generallycomprise (i) an absorbent member or substrate; and (ii) a halo activearomatic sulfonamide compound, as described further herein. The haloactive aromatic sulfonamide compound can be applied to the absorbentmember or substrate in the form of an odor-controlling composition, orin other words, the odor-controlling composition can be generallydispersed within or throughout the absorbent substrate. The absorbentsubstrate can be shaped as desired for its intendeduse/purpose/application. The absorbent member may be used in an articlesuch as, for example, a diaper or other sanitary product.

The shape of the odor-controlling bodily fluid absorbent member can bevaried depending on its use; for example, it can be made as a flat sheetor in a tubular form. It should be noted that the absorbent member isgenerally only one part of the overall consumer article.

For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional disposable diaper 550.The diaper has two primary parts, a shell 554 and a core. The shell isthe outermost layer of the diaper, and generally holds the core togetherand otherwise is used to fit the diaper to the user (e.g. an infant oran incontinent adult). The core is the portion of the diaper where urineis absorbed. The core includes a topsheet, an acquisition anddistribution layer (ADL) 552, and an absorbent member 556. The topsheetcontacts the skin. The ADL is designed to quickly move liquid away fromthe topsheet and distribute the liquid evenly across the absorbentmember for better absorbency. The absorbent member 556 may be in theshape of a flat sheet, and can either be attached to the ADL/topsheet orto the shell. The absorbent member may be shaped as desired. If desired,a bottom sheet may also be included. The bottom sheet is impermeable toliquids and is intended to serve as a shield against leaks. Generallyspeaking, the absorbent member may be engaged with a housing to form afinal article; here, the final article is a diaper. The article, such asa diaper, may also include other parts, such as a stretch laminate, anelastic film, a tab enclosure, or an adhesive. A stretch laminate isgenerally a multi-layer composite of elastic film with a soft nonwovenmaterial. The stretch laminate or elastic film is generally used to formthe waistband of the diaper, or to make the band that secures the backof the diaper to the front of the diaper. The tab enclosure is theportion of the tape that actually secures the back of the diaper to thefront of the diaper, and is attached to the band.

The absorbent member generally comprises an absorbent material. Theabsorbent material may be natural or synthetic. The absorbent materialmay also be in the form of fibers, powders, or granules, or in largeramounts in the form of sheets, mats, pads, or tubes. Exemplary absorbentmaterials generally include a mixture of (i) synthetic fibers made frompolyacrylates (e.g. sodium polyacrylate), polyacrylamide copolymers,ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers,cross-linked polyethylene oxide, or starch grafted copolymers ofpolyacrylonitrile; and (ii) cellulosic fibers such as cotton, rayon, andwood pulp. Many of the synthetic fibers (i) are also known as “superabsorbent polymers” because they can absorb more than one hundred timestheir own weight of liquid. In specific embodiments, the absorbentmaterial includes a “fluff” made by pulverizing sheets of wood pulpfibers. The absorbent material is generally a solid material when dry,and can be in powder, crystal, or particulate form.

The halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound used in theodor-controlling articles and with the absorbent members/substrates ofthe present disclosure has the structure of Formula (I):

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen,COOR′, CON(R″)₂, alkoxy, CN, NO₂, SO₃R″, halogen, substituted orunsubstituted phenyl, sulfonamide, halosulfonamide, and substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl;

R′ is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, substitutedC₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; and

R″ is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, where thetwo R″ groups in CON(R″)₂ may be independently selected;

X is halogen;

M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; and

n is the number of water molecules per molecule of the sulfonamidecompound.

It should be noted that the term “aromatic”, as used herein, refers tothe chemical property of conjugated bonds whose delocalized electronscontribute to the stability of the overall compound and is not used torefer to a smell detected by the nose.

Generally, M is sodium or potassium. X is generally chlorine, bromine,fluorine, or iodine, and in particular embodiments is chlorine.Compounds of Formula (I) may or may not be hydrated, as indicated by thevariable n. In particular embodiments, the compounds of Formula (I) area trihydrate (i.e., n=3). In other embodiments, the compound is in asolid form, such as a powder.

R′ is substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl. R″ is hydrogen orsubstituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, and the two R″ groups in theCON(R″)₂ may be independently selected.

When the phenyl and/or alkyl group is substituted, one or more hydrogenatoms may be independently replaced with hydroxyl or halogen.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), at least two of R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, andR₅ are not hydrogen.

In particular embodiments of Formula (I), R₃ is methyl, COOH, or COOM₁;R₁, R₂, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen, COOH,COOM₁, COOR′, CON(R″)₂, alkoxy, CN, NO₂, SO₃R″, halogen, substituted orunsubstituted phenyl, sulfonamide, halosulfonamide, and substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; X is halogen; M₁ is an alkali or alkalineearth metal; and n is the number of water molecules per molecule of thesulfonamide compound.

In further embodiments, R₃ is methyl, COOH, or COOM₁; R₁, R₂, R₄, and R₅are independently selected from hydrogen, COOH, COOM₁, COOR′, CON(R″)₂,alkoxy, CN, NO₂, SO₃R″, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl,sulfonamide, halosulfonamide, and substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂alkyl; X is halogen; M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; n is thenumber of water molecules per molecule of the sulfonamide compound; andat least one of R₁, R₂, R₄, and R₅ is not hydrogen.

In other embodiments of Formula (I), the halo active aromaticsulfonamide compound has the structure of Formula (II):

wherein R₃ is COOR′; R′ is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkaline earthmetal, substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; X ishalogen; M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; and n is the number ofwater molecules per molecule of the sulfonamide compound. TheN-chloro-4-carboxybenzenesulfonamide compound of Formula (II) is alsoreferred to herein as BENZ. BENZ exhibits a lower chlorine smell thanchloramine-T or chloramine-B. When BENZ is combined with at least onefragrance, there is no detectable chlorine smell for most humans.

Two particular sulfonamide compounds contemplated for use areN-chloro-p-toluenesulfonamide (i.e. chloramine-T) andN-chloro-4-carboxybenzenesulfonamide (i.e. BENZ). These two compoundsare shown below as Formulas (III) and (IV):

wherein M₂ is hydrogen, an alkali metal, or an alkali earth metal; X ishalogen, M is independently an alkali or alkaline earth metal; and n isthe number of water molecules per molecule of each sulfonamide compound.Desirably, M₂ is hydrogen, sodium, or potassium.

In yet other embodiments of Formula (I), R₃ is selected from COOH,COOM₁, COOR′, CON(R″)₂, CN, NO₂, halogen, and substituted orunsubstituted C₂-C₁₂ alkyl; R₁, R₂, R₄, and R₅ are independentlyselected from hydrogen, COOH, COOM₁, COOR′, CON(R″)₂, alkoxy, CN, NO₂,SO₃R″, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, sulfonamide,halosulfonamide, and substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; X ishalogen; M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; and n is the number ofwater molecules per molecule of the sulfonamide compound.

In still other embodiments of Formula (I), R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ areindependently selected from hydrogen, COOH, COOM₁, NO₂, halogen, andsubstituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; X is halogen; M is an alkalior alkaline earth metal; and n is the number of water molecules permolecule of the sulfonamide compound.

In yet other embodiments of Formula (I), R₂ and R₄ are identical to eachother; and R₁, R₃, and R₅ are hydrogen.

In yet other embodiments of Formula (I), R₂ and R₄ are hydrogen; and R₁,R₃, and R₅ are identical to each other.

In more specific embodiments of Formula (I), R₃ is selected from COOH,COOM₁, COOR′, and CON(R″)₂. Most desirably, R₃ is COOH or COOM₁, whileR₁, R₂, R₄, and R₅ are hydrogen.

In other embodiments of Formula (I), R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ areindependently selected from hydrogen, COOH, COOM₁, COOR′, CON(R″)₂, NO₂,halogen, and substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; wherein at leastone of R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ is not hydrogen; X is halogen; M is analkali or alkaline earth metal; and n is the number of water moleculesper molecule of the sulfonamide compound.

In still other embodiments of Formula (I), R₃ is COOH or COOM₁; R₁, R₂,R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen, NO₂, halogen, andsubstituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; X is halogen; M is an alkalior alkaline earth metal; and n is the number of water molecules permolecule of the sulfonamide compound. In further specific embodiments,at least one of R₁, R₂, R₄, and R₅ is not hydrogen.

The halo active aromatic sulfonamide compounds of Formula (I) are stableand do not decompose in aqueous solution, allowing the absorbent memberto have a long shelf life. The compounds of Formula (I) are also verysoluble in water, low in toxicity, and have minimal bleach odor.

The halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound can be present in theamount of about 0.0002 to about 6 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) ofabsorbent capacity of the absorbent member. As an example, if theabsorbent member has a capacity of 100 mL, then 0.02 milligrams to 600mg of the sulfonamide compound may be present. In further embodiments,the compound is present in the amount of about 0.0002 to about 1 mg/mL,or about 0.1 to about 1 mg/mL, or about 0.1 to about 0.5 mg/mL, or about0.5 to about 1 mg/mL of absorbent capacity of the absorbent member.There may be a total of about 10 mg to about 3000 mg of the halo activearomatic sulfonamide compound in the absorbent member, or from about 10mg to about 1000 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 1000 mg, or from about40 mg to about 600 mg, or from about 100 mg to about 500, or from about300 mg to about 400 mg. Put another way, the amount of the halo activearomatic sulfonamide compound can be from about 0.001 to about 1.0 wt %of the absorbent member, or from about 0.025 wt % to about 0.50 wt %, orfrom about 0.05 wt % to about 0.30 wt %. Again, it is particularlycontemplated that the active sulfonamide compound is in the form of adry solid powder.

For stability and for optimum performance, the pH of theodor-controlling composition should be between 6 and 14, thoughgenerally the pH should be kept between 7 and 9. As urine can have a pHranging from 4.5 to 8, and is generally acidic, this pH range also helpsto neutralize the urine collected in the absorbent member.

In order to maintain the solution within these pH ranges, a bufferingagent may be present. The buffering agent can compensate for any changein pH that may result from the acidity of the urine, the conditions ofapplication, the type of absorbent material or substrate, and/or thenature of the odor causing molecule. Exemplary buffering agents includesodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassiumcarbonate, acetate buffers (such as sodium acetate), phosphate buffers(such as tri and di sodium phosphate and mixtures thereof, pH blendedphosphates, sulfate buffers (such as di and tri sodium sulfate), andmixtures thereof. The buffering agent can be added up to the limit ofsolubility of the odor-controlling composition that is used to apply thehalo active aromatic sulfonamide compound. In particular embodiments,the preferred weight ratio of the sulfonamide compound to the bufferingagent is from about 50:1 to about 1:1, or from about 50:1 to about 2:1,or from about 20:1 to about 2:1. The preferred buffering agent is sodiumbicarbonate.

The use of the bicarbonates in the disclosed compositions also appearsto decrease color which may be due to pH effects. In particular,bicarbonates reduce the yellow color of BENZ solutions drastically. Thiseffect may be highly desirable in some applications, such as diapers,pads, and similar applications where a yellow color is disfavored.

A fragrance can be included in the absorbent member/the odor-controllingarticle, if desired. The term “fragrance,” as used herein, refers to oneor more chemical compounds that, when combined with the halo activearomatic sulfonamide compound of Formula (I), produces an odor controlcomposition that does not exhibit a strong smell.

Many different fragrances are known in the art. However, only certainfragrances result in a composition that does not exhibit a strong smell.In particular, it has been found that certain combinations ofsulfonamide with fragrance which were expected to result in acomposition without strong smell, did not perform as expected. Thechoice of the fragrance is critical and is not obvious.

Suitable fragrances are commercially available from manufacturers suchas Givaudan and Horizon Aromatics. The following table of fragranceslists the name of some exemplary fragrances:

TABLE 1 Fragrance Name Fabric Delight 1 Lavender & Chamomile LinenBasket Outdoor Clean Rain Garden GNF Fragrance Duplicate A FragranceDuplicate B

In this regard, it is known that the active compounds in lavender arelinalool and linalyl acetate, and an active compound in chamomile isbisabolol. Thus, the fragrance may be selected from linalool, linalylacetate, or bisabolol.

The fragrance may be present in an amount of from about 0.005 to about 5wt % of the absorbent member. In some embodiments, the fragrance may bepresent in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 1 wt % of the absorbentmember. In other embodiments, the fragrance may be present in an amountof from about 0.025 to about 0.5 wt %, or from about 0.05 to about 0.1wt %, of the absorbent member.

A surfactant, or wetting agent, can also be added to theodor-controlling composition. The surfactant decreases surface tension,allowing the sulfonamide compound to be more easily activated whencontacted by bodily fluids. Both non-ionic and anionic surfactants canbe used. However, in specific embodiments, a surfactant is not used.

A low molecular weight alcohol may also be added to the odor-controllingcomposition to enhance the activity of the sulfonamide compound. Anexemplary alcohol is t-butanol. The alcohol may have several effects.The alcohol enhances the odor removal activity of the active aromaticN-halo sulfonamide group. The alcohol can also increase surface activityor enable the use of a more favorable blend of fragrances, surfaceactive compounds and the like. The type of alcohol used, however, issomewhat limited. T-butanol or related tertiary alcohols are preferredbecause they do not contain hydrogen atoms alpha to the oxygen alcoholmoiety, and allow for greater stability. The alpha hydrogen atomsapparently detract from stability due to interaction with the activehalogen contained in the active aromatic halo sulfonamide compound.However, in specific embodiments, an alcohol is not used.

In other embodiments, the sulfonamide compound is encapsulated. Morespecifically, the sulfonamide compound may be encapsulated (i.e. form acore) in a water-soluble medium. The buffering agent can be part of thecore as well, or can remain outside the water-soluble medium. Uponcontact with a bodily fluid, the medium encapsulating the sulfonamidecompound will slowly dissolve to release the sulfonamide compound, whichcan then react with malodorous molecules. It is contemplated that thewater-soluble medium could be a shell, or a gel, or a liquid, asappropriate for the application.

Generally, the odor-controlling composition containing the sulfonamidecompound is applied to an absorbent member by dipping, spraying, orwashing. For example, the sulfonamide compound may be mixed with wateror another solvent to form an aqueous or other solution, along with thebuffering agent. The sulfonamide compound may range from about 0.1% toabout 23% (w/v) of the aqueous solution, i.e. about 0.1 to about 23grams of the sulfonamide compound per milliliter (g/mL) of the aqueoussolution. After being applied to the absorbent material, the solvent isallowed to evaporate, leaving behind the active sulfonamide compound.Multiple sprays can be used to increase the amount of active sulfonamidecompound on the absorbent member. The active sulfonamide compound can beconsidered to be impregnated into, or dispersed throughout, or appliedonto the absorbent material/absorbent member.

It has been found that due to the stable and hydrated nature of thestructure, the sulfonamide compound will activate only when a malodorousmolecule is encountered. Minor amounts of water, either through thehydrated active sulfonamide compound and/or the ambient humidity, aresufficient for the sulfonamide to bond with the odor-causing moleculeseven at ppm and ppb levels.

It has been found that the raw materials that go into making a diaper,such as the absorbent core, absorbent materials, adhesives, non-wovens,poly films, fasteners, elastics, acquisition and distribution layer(ADL), etc., can themselves have a distasteful odor, which can bedescribed as a burnt smell or a smell like rotten grapefruit. It iscontemplated that these diaper parts/articles can be impregnated withthe odor control composition, so that they do not emit malodorousmolecules. Once incorporated into the article, the odor controlcomposition begins to eliminate the odor-causing molecules. Because ofthe hydrated nature of the odor control composition and the ambient airconditions, there is enough interaction at the ppm and ppb level toeffectively control the odors emanating from the otherwise solidmaterials. Such odors can be removed, eliminated, and/or reduced priorto the diaper parts being combined or manufactured into an absorbentarticle.

When being used, the active sulfonamide compound present in theabsorbent member is activated by coming into contact with bodily fluids(e.g., urine, perspiration, blood). The sulfonamide compound can bechemically activated and then released over time to reduce theodor-causing molecules.

Upon removal of the article from the user, the article now contains muchhigher levels of fluids due to use. The active sulfonamide compound willcontinue to react with and reduce the level of malodorous molecules,reducing unwanted odor even further. The active sulfonamide compoundcontinues to actively react with odor-causing molecules over extendedperiods of time. Even after active use is finished, the odor of treatedarticles continues to decrease. Treated articles show improved effectover time. Articles worn overnight and for extended time have built-inprotection even after extended periods. This is extremely useful for theconsumer, as frequent article changes are not necessary until thearticles become nearly or completely saturated or due to concentratedurine odors. Further, as the treated products continue to reduce urineodors after removal, disposal of the product is neither evident norobvious, as the formulation continues to work.

In particular, it is contemplated that the active sulfonamide compoundcan be used in a diaper or an adult incontinence article. In thisregard, urine can contain various sulfur-containing compounds andnitrogen-containing compounds which are particularly pungent whenconcentrated. In addition, over time, the odor of urine typically getsworse. However, the articles/absorbent members of the present disclosuresurprisingly continue to act to reduce such odors. Where it might beexpected that the smell of a urinated-in article (e.g. diaper) getsworse over time, such articles that use the sulfonamide compounds of thepresent disclosure actually have reduced odor. This reduced odor canremain when measured over a period of at least three days (i.e. 72hours), at least one week (i.e. 168 hours), or even one month (i.e. 720hours).

The active sulfonamide compounds of the present disclosure are useful inmany different productions and many different environments. For example,they can be used on fabrics or hard surfaces in industrial, commercial,and institutional environments such as hospitals. They can also be usedin absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence articles (olderchildren to adults), and pads for various uses such as absorbent pads,feminine pads, pet pads (e.g. for cats to step on when exiting litterbox), meat pads (typically included as a liner under meat sold ingrocery stores), shoe insoles, gas neutralizing pads, nursing pads,sweat pads (for bras), etc. They can also be used in various wipes suchas baby wipes, underarm wipes, body wipes, wet wipes (cleansing pads),moist towelettes, industrial cleaning wipes, pet care wipes, sweatwipes, dish wipes, etc. Wipes differ from absorbent articles asdescribed herein in that wipes are sold moist, while absorbent articlesare not (i.e. some of the absorbent capacity of a wipe is already usedup). Other articles in which the active sulfonamide compounds could beused could include headbands (to deodorize sweat), furniture (e.g. seatcushions), locker room equipment, filters (for air conditioning, cars,furnaces), etc.

In this regard, a filter includes a substrate having pores therethroughthat are sized to block certain materials from passing through the poreswhile letting others through. The substrate can be made from fibrousmaterials, and the active sulfonamide compounds are dispersed on thefibers. The fibrous materials may or may not be absorbent. The filter istypically dry, i.e. not moist like a wipe. A fluid stream, typicallyair, passes through the filter and odorous molecules in the fluid streamreact with the active sulfonamide compound on the substrate. Thesubstrate may be of any desired size and shape, and typically is in theform of a pleated paper. A support frame typically surrounds thesubstrate.

The odor controlling composition containing the active sulfonamidecompound may be applied to materials of construction prior to absorbentarticle construction or during the construction of the absorbentarticle. Prior to using the odor control composition in the materialsfor construction, the composition may be used to either remove rawmaterial malodors or pre-treat raw materials so that the odor controlcomposition is on “stand by” when odor molecules are encountered.

Odor molecules may be encountered while the product is still in the bagwith other construction materials or when the product is worn (i.e.during use). Raw materials may include any or all materials ofconstruction, such as: a topsheet, acquisition and distribution layer,tissue, core material, super absorbent polymers, a backsheet, stretchlaminates, elastics, tab enclosures, adhesives, poly bags (in whichanother article is enclosed), etc.

Raw materials may not only be pre-treated independently prior toabsorbent article construction, but they may also be strategicallytreated during construction of the product. Varying components may betreated such that there is strategically placed odor control, ormultiple components may be treated thereby creating a synergistic effectof all-encompassing odor control.

The odor controlling compositions used to make the odor-controllingarticles described herein can be formulated to deliver varying levels ofodor control depending on the type of raw material, the location of theraw material in the absorbent article, and the type of desired odorcontrol (e.g., raw material odor, urine odor, bowel movement odor,menses odor, body perspiration odor, pet odors, food/meat odor). Theodor controlling composition may further be in the form of a liquid or asolid or any form in between such as a gel or semi-solid, and may beadded alone or in conjunction with a solvent. The solvent may be water,alcohol, or another solvent.

The odor-controlling articles of the present disclosure are illustratedby the following non-limiting examples, it being understood that theseexamples are intended to be illustrative only and that the presentapplication is not intended to be limited to the materials, conditions,process parameters and the like recited herein. All proportions are byweight unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLES

Odor was tested and assigned a score of 0 to 10 by an expert panel ofhumans, with 0 indicating no odor and 10 indicating extreme odor, basedon the intensity of the odor. Control articles were generally thearticles or substrates that had not been modified with the activeformulations. For purposes of this disclosure, the scores are assumed tobe linear. For example, an odor that has a score of 7 will be describedas having 70% of the odor having a score of 10, an odor with a score of3 has 30% of the odor having a score of 10, etc. This odor scale appliesto all of the examples, so the same score in different examplesindicates the same level of odor.

Example 1

Materials and Methods

One set of adult incontinence products (non-fragranced Depends® largefemale underwear) was treated with approximately sixty (60) pump spraysof 0.5% BENZ active formulation (no fragrance). At 0.13 mL/pump spray,this resulted in a total of 0.039 grams of active compound per absorbentcore. For an absorbent core of about 16.8 grams, this results in 0.0023grams of active sulfonamide compound per gram of absorbent core. Asecond set of the same products remained untreated as a control. Urinewas then collected from 3 different females ranging from 38 to 46 yearsof age and following different diets intended to yield pungent smellingurine. 20 mL urine was applied to treated and untreated productssimultaneously. This resulted in about 1.95 mg active compound per mL ofurine. Note the urine was applied to the center of the product,simulating where urine is typically discharged. Thus, the urine was notevenly distributed across the entire surface of the absorbent core, andthe efficacy of the active compound is even greater than indicatedbelow. The products were evaluated on odor at time of application and at1, 3, and 7 minutes after application. Each product was then placed in aplastic bag and sealed before being evaluated for odor after an extendedtime period (1440 minutes).

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 2 below and FIGS. 2A-2C,treated products exhibited a reduction in odor after as little as 1minute after application of urine, while untreated products retained astrong odor with an odor score of at least 8.

TABLE 2 46 yr. old female 40 yr. old female 38 yr. old female(concentrated (concentrated (concentrated coffee Time asparagus diet)asparagus diet) diet) (min.) Untreated Treated Untreated TreatedUntreated Treated 0 10 10 10 10 9 9 1 9 7 10 6 9 8 3 9 5 9 4 9 6 7 9 4.59 2 8 4 1440 10 4 10 3 9 3

Across all three treated samples, urine malodor was reduced to below 50%of the original odor within 7 minutes. At 24 hours (i.e. 1440 minutes),the urine malodor was 40% or less of the original odor and the untreatedodor in all treated samples.

Example 2

Materials and Methods

One adult incontinence product (non-fragranced Depends® large femaleunderwear) was treated with approximately sixty (60) pump sprays of 0.5%BENZ active formulation (no fragrance) (0.039 grams of active compoundper absorbent core). For an absorbent core of about 16.8 grams, thisresults in 0.0023 grams of active sulfonamide compound per grams ofabsorbent core. A second of the same product remained untreated as acontrol. Urine was then collected from one 71-year old female during theday and overnight. 50 mL of each type of urine was applied to treatedand untreated products simultaneously. This resulted in about 0.78 mgactive compound per mL of urine. Note the urine was applied to thecenter of the product, simulating where urine is typically discharged.Thus, the urine was not evenly distributed across the entire surface ofthe absorbent core. The products were evaluated on odor at the time ofapplication and at 1, 3, and 7 minutes after application. Each productwas then placed in a plastic bag and sealed before being evaluated forodor after an extended time period (1440 minutes).

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 3 below and FIG. 3, treatedproducts exhibited a reduction in odor after as little as 1 minute afterapplication of urine, while untreated products retained a strong odorwith an odor score of at least 8.

TABLE 3 Time Day Overnight (min.) Untreated Treated Untreated Treated 08 8 1 8 7 8.5 6.5 3 8 7 8.5 5.5 7 8 6 8 3.5 1440 9 2 9 1

Across all treated samples, urine malodor was reduced by at least 25%within 7 minutes. At 24 hours (i.e. 1440 minutes), urine malodor wasstill reduced by at least 75% in all treated samples.

Example 3

Materials and Methods

One adult incontinence product (Always Discreet Pad Ultimate AbsorbencyLong Length-Fragranced Always) was treated with approximately sixty (60)pump sprays of 0.75% BENZ active formulation (no fragrance) (i.e. 0585grams active compound per absorbent core). A second of the same productwas left untreated as a control. Urine was then collected from one46-year old female. 60 mL urine was applied to treated and untreatedproducts simultaneously. Later, an additional 40 mL urine wassimultaneously applied to treated and untreated products. Products wereevaluated on odor at time of application and 3 hours after application.This resulted in about 0.585 mg active compound per mL of urine. Again,the urine was applied to the center of the product, simulating whereurine is typically discharged, and was not evenly distributed across theentire surface of the absorbent core.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 4 below and FIG. 4, treatedproducts exhibited a reduction in odor upon application of urine, whileuntreated products retained a strong odor.

TABLE 4 Untreated Treated 60 mL of urine Overall fragrance intensity 84.5 Overall urine 3 2 Additional 40 mL urine (total 100 mL) Overallfragrance intensity 7.5 4 Overall urine 4 2 3 hours later Overallfragrance intensity 5 3 Overall urine 4 1.5 1 week later Overallfragrance intensity Overall urine 9 0.5

Urine malodor and overall fragrance intensity was reduced by over 80%over the course of three hours. After one week, the overall urine odorwas still less than 10% of both the untreated odor.

Example 4

Materials and Methods

One adult incontinence product (topsheet of Always Discreet UnderwearS/M Maximum Absorbency) was treated with approximately 75 pump sprays of0.75% BENZ active formulation (no fragrance) (0.073 grams activecompound). A second of the same product (topsheet) was treated withapproximately 120 pump sprays of 1% BENZ active formulation (nofragrance) (0.156 grams active compound). A third product remaineduntreated as a control. Dry weight of the product alone was 54.8 gramswith a core weight of approximately 19.2 grams. One 46-year old femalevoided overnight into each sample product. Each product was removed forodor evaluation at time of urine application and then at 1 hour, 3hours, and 6 hours after application. Each product was then placed in aplastic bag and sealed for an extended period before odor evaluation at1 week. Because the products were used, the amount of liquid voidedvaried between the products.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 5 below and FIG. 5, treatedproducts exhibited a significant reduction in odor within 3 to 6 hoursof use, and treated products continued to demonstrate less urine malodoras time increased. However untreated products exhibited an increase inurine malodor over time. At one week, the treated odors were roughly 15%of the untreated odor.

TABLE 5 Treated Topsheet Treated Topsheet Untreated (0.75% Active) (1%Active) Time Wet Wt. = Wet Wt. = Wet Wt. = (hrs) 643.3 grams 434.3 grams517.2 grams 0 7 7 5 1 6 3 9 1 6 1 168 10 1 (1 week)

Example 5

Materials and Methods

One adult incontinence product (core of Depends® large female underwear)was treated with approximately 80 pump sprays of 1% BENZ activeformulation (no fragrance) (0.104 grams active compound) onto theabsorbent core. A second of the same product (core) was treated withapproximately 120 pump sprays of 1% BENZ active formulation (nofragrance) (0.156 grams active compound). Dry weight of the productalone was 44.7 grams with a core weight of approximately 16.8 grams. One46-year old female voided twice into each sample product. Each productwas removed for odor evaluation after two hours and then placed in aplastic bag and sealed for an extended period before odor evaluation at3 days.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 6 below, the treated productsexhibited a significant reduction in odor over time even when leakageoccurred. After 3 days, the odor remains reduced below 70% of theoriginal odor in both treated products.

TABLE 6 Treated Core Treated Core (80 pumps of 1% active) (120 pumps of1% active) Wt. = 277 grams Wt. = 427 grams 1st Void 6 8 2nd Void   8(leakage) Overnight urine at 1 hr 2 hrs 7.5 (leakage) 72 hrs 4 5 (3days)

Example 6

Materials and Methods

Two Pampers Cruisers (size 4) fragranced baby products were treated withapproximately 60 pump sprays of 1% BENZ active formulation (nofragrance) (0.078 grams active compound) each. A third of the sameproduct was left untreated as a control. Dry weight of the product alonewas 37.6 grams with a core weight of approximately 6.1 grams. In turn,each product was applied to a baby and worn overnight. In the morning,each product was removed and the urine malodor observed over time.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 7 below, the treated productsexhibited a significant reduction in odor over time. However, theuntreated product malodor increased over time.

TABLE 7 Untreated Core Treated Core Treated Core Time After (worn ~12.25(worn ~11.25 (worn ~12 Diaper hrs.) hrs.) hrs.) Removed Wet Wt. = WetWt. = Wet Wt. = (hrs.) 269.9 grams 252.5 grams 276.6 grams 0 6 1.5 1.5 32 24 8

Example 7

Materials and Methods

Two Huggies Overnights (size 4) baby products were treated withapproximately 60 pump sprays of 0.75% BENZ active formulation (nofragrance) (0.0585 grams active compound) each. Four products of thesame were left untreated as controls. Dry weight of the product alonewas 45.2 grams with a core weight of approximately 23.9 grams. In turn,each product was applied to a baby and worn overnight. In the morning,each product was removed and the urine malodor observed over time.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 8 below, the treated productsexhibited a reduction in odor compared to the untreated products. Theproducts with an asterisk in Table 8 indicate the child was teething andrunning a fever.

TABLE 8 Untreated Untreated* Untreated Untreated Treated* Treated* (worn~12 (worn ~12 (worn ~13.5 (worn ~11.25 (worn ~12.75 (worn ~10 hrs.)hrs.) hrs.) hrs.) hrs.) hrs.) Wet Wt. = Wet Wt. = Wet Wt. = Wet Wt. =Wet Wt. = Wet Wt. = 374.4 grams 333.9 grams 227.5 grams 361.2 grams360.4 grams 286.3 grams 10 10 9 9 8.5 8.5

Example 8

Materials and Methods

Topsheets of size 4 baby products were treated with approximately 30pump sprays of 0.5% BENZ active formulation (no fragrance) (0.0195 gramsactive compound per gram of absorbent material) each. A set of the sameproducts were left untreated as controls. Treated products were placedtogether in a bag, while untreated products were placed together in aseparate bag. The products were kept in the sealed bags for about onemonth. Next, overnight urine was acquired from a 46-year old female inthe morning. The urine was then kept at room temperature for 4 hoursbefore each product was treated with 100 mL of urine. This resulted inabout 0.195 mg active compound per mL of urine. Again, the urine wasapplied to the center of the product, simulating where urine istypically discharged, and was not evenly distributed across the entiresurface of the absorbent core, to the efficacy of the active compound isgreater than indicated.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 9 below, the treated productsexhibited a reduction in odor compared to the untreated products. After12 hours, significant urine malodor reduction was observed in thetreated products—they were all about 40% of their original odor, andabout 40% lower compared to the untreated odor.

TABLE 9 Time- product exposed Pampers ® Pampers ® to air Baby DrySwaddlers Luvs ® Huggies ® (min.) Untreat Treat Untreat Treat UntreatTreat Untreat Treat 0 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 0.5 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 1 8 7 7 7 9 89 8 5 8 6 7 7 8 6 7 5 10 7 5 6 6 7 5 7 4 30 7 5 5 5 6 5 6 4 60 5 4 3 3 44 4 2 720 7 3 7 2 7 4 7 <2

Example 9

Materials and Methods

The active formulation was made using 1% BENZ and 0.5% sodiumbicarbonate. 120 sprays (0.156 grams active compound) was then added totwo different products: (1) Depends® for Women Underwear with Fit-FlexProtection Moderate Absorbency S/M (28-40 in″/71-102 cm waist); and (2)Always® Discreet. A set of the same products was put aside to serve ascontrols, and 150 mL urine (asparagus diet and overnight first morningvoid) was administered to each product. This resulted in approximately1.04 milligrams of active compound per mL of urine. Again, the urine wasapplied to the center of the product, simulating where urine istypically discharged, and was not evenly distributed across the entiresurface of the absorbent core, so the efficacy of the active compound isgreater than indicated.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 10 below, the treatedproducts exhibited a significant reduction in odor compared to theuntreated control products. After 24 hours, the treated products were40% or less of the original odor.

TABLE 10 Depends ® Always ® Time Control Treated Control Treated <30sec. 7 5 7 6 1 min. 8 8 6.5-7 3 3 min. 7   3.5 6.5-7 3 7 min. 6.5-7    3  6.5 2-2.5 10 min.   6.5 2-2.5    6-6.5 1 30 min. 6-6.5 1.5-2    60-0.5 24 hours 6-6.5 2 6.5-7   0.5

Example 10

Materials and Methods

To evaluate the efficacies of different active formulations on urinemalodor reduction as well as evaluate the threshold for activeformulation levels over time with multiple voids, two different activeformulations were prepared. FB05 consisted of 5% BENZ and 0.75% sodiumbicarbonate. FT05 was prepared from 5% Chloramine-T and 0.75% sodiumbicarbonate. 24 sprays of FB05 (0.156 grams active compound) was thenadded to one Depends® for Women Underwear with Fit-Flex ProtectionModerate Absorbency S/M (28-40″/71-102 cm), and 24 sprays of FT05 (0.156grams active compound) was added to a second identical product. Thetopsheet of the product was peeled back, exposing the absorbent corematerial. The active formulation was sprayed onto the absorbent corematerial and allowed to air dry. The top sheet was then placed back ontothe core material. A third of the same product was put aside to serve asthe control.

Next, 150 mL urine was administered to each product. The administeredurine was a combined specimen of overnight urine and urine taken fromsubjects observing an asparagus diet, a caffeine diet. Odor was scoredperiodically.

Two hours after the first urine application, 75 mL of the combined urinewas added to each product, bringing the total urine volume to 225 mL perproduct. After another hour, an additional 75 mL combined urine wasadded to each product, bringing the total urine volume to 300 mL perproduct. This resulted in approximately 0.52 milligrams of activecompound per mL of urine. Again, the urine was applied to the center ofthe product, simulating where urine is typically discharged, and was notevenly distributed across the entire surface of the absorbent core, sothe efficacy of the active compound is greater than indicated.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 11 below, the treatedproducts with both active formulations exhibited a significant reductionin odor compared to the untreated control products. After 24 hours, theodor of the treated products remained very low, about 15% of theiroriginal odor and of the untreated odor. As expected, over 3 days theodor increased, but the treated products still performed better than thecontrol. At 7 days, due to the larger void volume of 300 ml for amoderate absorbent product and the urine location being about one thirdof the treated core area, the urine odor increased on all products.

TABLE 11 Time Control FB05 FT05 0-5 min. 7-8 1-1.5 3 10 min. 7-8   1.5 230 min. 7-8 1.5-2    2 45 min. 6-7 1-1.5 2 1 hour 6-7 1 1.5 2 hours 5-61 1 Additional 75 mL urine (total 225 mL urine) 2 hours 6-7 3 3 3 hours5 1 1 Additional 75 mL urine (total 300 mL urine) 3.5 hours 6-7 1 1 4hours 6 1 1 6 hours 6 1 1 24 hours 6.5-7   1 1 3 days   7-7.5 3-3.5 2-37 days 8-9 8-9  8-9

Example 11

Materials and Methods

To evaluate the efficacies of different active formulations on urinemalodor reduction as well as evaluate the threshold for activeformulation levels over time with multiple voids, two different activeformulations were prepared. FB20 consisted of 20% BENZ and 1% sodiumbicarbonate. FT10 was prepared from 10% Chloramine-T and 1.3% sodiumbicarbonate. FB20FT1020 sprays of FB20 (0.52 grams active compound) wasthen added to one Tranquility Premium Protection Maximum Protection 1005mL SmartCore Daytime/Nighttime Disposable Briefs-Size L, and 40 spraysof FT10 (0.52 grams active compound) was added to a second identicalproduct. The topsheet of the product was peeled back, exposing theabsorbent core material. The active formulation was sprayed onto theabsorbent core material and allowed to air dry. The top sheet was thenplaced back onto the core material. A third of the same product was putaside to serve as the control, and 200 mL urine was administered to eachproduct. The administered urine was a combined specimen of overnighturine and urine taken from subjects observing an asparagus diet, acaffeine diet. Odor was scored periodically.

Forty-five minutes after urine application, 200 mL combined urine wasadded to each product, bringing the total urine volume to 400 mL perproduct. After another 1.25 hours, an additional 200 mL combined urinewas added to each product, bringing the total urine volume to 600 mL perproduct. This resulted in approximately 0.87 milligrams of activecompound per mL of urine. Again, the urine was applied to the center ofthe product, simulating where urine is typically discharged, and was notevenly distributed across the entire surface of the absorbent core, sothe efficacy of the active compound is greater than indicated.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 12 below, the treatedproducts with both active formulations exhibited a significant reductionin odor compared to the untreated control products. The treated productsstill had very weak odor after 3 days, and were still 50% of the odor ofthe control product.

TABLE 12 Time Control FB20 FT10 0-5 min. 7-8 1-2 1-2 10 min. 7-8 1-2 1-230 min. 7-8 1-2 1-2 Additional 200 mL urine (total 400 mL urine) 45 min.7-8  2 2 1 hour 6-7 1.5-2  1.5-2  2 hours 6-7  1-1.5  1-1.5 Additional200 mL urine (total 600 mL urine) 2 hours 7-8  3 3 3 hours 7  1-1.5 1-1.5 4 hours 6-7  1-1.5  1-1.5 6 hours 6   1.5 1 8 hours 6   1.5 1 12hours 5 0.5-1  0.5-1  24 hours 6-7 <1 <1  3 days 7 <1 <1  1 week 8 3-43-4

Example 12

Materials and Methods

To evaluate the efficacy of an active formulation on urine malodorreduction when applied to a topsheet compared to core material as wellas evaluate the threshold for an active formulation level over time withmultiple voids, one active formulation was prepared. FB20 consisted of20% BENZ and 1% sodium bicarbonate. FB2020 sprays of FB20 (0.52 gramsactive compound) was then added to the topsheet of one TranquilityPremium Protection Maximum Protection 1005 mL SmartCoreDaytime/Nighttime Disposable Briefs-Size L. 20 sprays of FB20 (0.52grams active compound) was added to the core of a second identicalproduct. The topsheet of the product was peeled back, exposing theabsorbent core material. The active formulation was sprayed onto theabsorbent core material and allowed to air dry. The top sheet was thenplaced back onto the core material. A third of the same product was setaside to serve as the control, and 300 mL urine was administered to eachproduct. The administered urine was a combined specimen of overnighturine and urine taken from subjects observing an asparagus diet, acaffeine diet. Odor was scored periodically.

Ten minutes after urine application, 300 mL combined urine was added toeach product, bringing the total urine volume to 600 mL per product.This resulted in approximately 0.87 milligrams of active compound per mLof urine. Again, the urine was applied to the center of the product,simulating where urine is typically discharged, and was not evenlydistributed across the entire surface of the absorbent core, so theefficacy of the active compound is greater than indicated.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 13 below, the treatedproducts with the active formulation exhibited a significant reductionin odor compared to the untreated control product. The odor reductionwas approximately the same in both the topsheet and the core, and bothwere about 25% of the odor of the untreated control.

TABLE 13 Time Control Topsheet Core 1 min. 7-8 3 3 5 min. 7 2 2 10 min.7 2 2 Additional 300 mL urine (total 600 mL urine) 10 min. 8 3 4 30 min.7 2 3 1 hour 6.5-7  2 3 2 hours 6-7 2 3 3 hours   6.5 2-2.5 2 4 hours 6-6.5 2 2 6 hours 7 1 2 8 hours 7.5-8  1 2 12 hours 8 1.5-2   2-2.5 24hours 8 2 2

Example 13

Materials and Methods

To evaluate the efficacy of an active formulation at a lower applicationon urine malodor reduction as well as evaluate the threshold for anactive formulation level over time with multiple voids, one activeformulation was prepared. FB20 consisted of 20% BENZ and 1% sodiumbicarbonate. 11 sprays of FB20 (0.286 grams active compound) was thenadded to the core of one Tranquility Premium Protection MaximumProtection 1005 mL SmartCore Daytime/Nighttime Disposable Briefs-Size L.A second of the same product was set aside to serve as the control.

300 mL urine was administered to each product. The administered urinewas a combined specimen of overnight urine and urine taken from subjectsobserving an asparagus diet, a caffeine diet. Odor was scoredperiodically. Ten minutes after urine application, 300 mL combined urinewas added to each product, bringing the total urine volume to 600 mL perproduct. This resulted in approximately 0.48 milligrams of activecompound per mL of urine. Again, the urine was applied to the center ofthe product, simulating where urine is typically discharged, and was notevenly distributed across the entire surface of the absorbent core, sothe efficacy of the active compound is greater than indicated.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 14 below, the treated productwith the active formulation exhibited a significant reduction(approximately 50%) in odor compared to the untreated control product.

TABLE 14 Time Control Treated Core 1-5 min. 7 2-3 10 min. 7 2 Additional300 mL urine (total 600 mL urine) 10 min. 8 3-4 45 min. 7 3-4 1 hour 6-7 4 2 hours  6-7 3-4 3 hours 6.5-7  3-3.5 4 hours 6.5-7   3.5 6 hours  7.5 3 8 hours 7.5-8 3 12 hours 7.5-8 3.5-4  24 hours 7.5-8 3-4

Example 14

Materials and Methods

5% BENZ and sodium bicarbonate was used to create an active formulation.70 sprays of the active formulation (0.0455 grams of active compound)was then applied to 5 grams super absorbent polymer (SAP) raw material,which was expected to absorb any liquid formulation. This wasapproximately 0.009 grams of active compound per gram of SAP. Urinespecimens for testing included fox and mink urine.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 15 below, the treated SAPexhibited a significant reduction in odor compared to the untreatedcontrols. Each drop was about 0.02 grams in weight.

TABLE 15 Fox Urine (6 drops) Mink Urine (3 drops) Time Treated ControlTreated Control 3-5 min. 3-4 6-7 5-6 6-7 15 min. 0 (urine odor); 3-4 3 62 (chlorine odor)

Example 15

Materials and Methods

0.4 grams dry Chloramine-T was applied to 3 grams super absorbentpolymer (SAP) (˜11.7 wt % active compound, 0.13 grams active compoundper gram of SAP). Undiluted mink urine was used for testing. Each dropwas about 0.02 grams in weight.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 16 below, 11.7% activeformulation pre-treated SAP exhibited an immediate elimination ofmalodors.

TABLE 16 Time (min.) Mink Urine (4 drops) 0 0 (no mink malodor) 1 0 (nomink malodor)

Example 16

Materials and Methods

0.3 grams dry Chloramine-T was applied to 5.99 grams super absorbentpolymer (SAP) (˜4.8 wt % active compound, 0.05 grams active compound pergram of SAP). Undiluted fox urine was used for testing.

Three drops of undiluted fox urine was initially applied to SAP.Approximately every 1-2 minutes thereafter, 3-11 more drops undilutedfox urine were applied to the SAP for an eventual total of about 40drops per sample. Each drop was about 0.02 grams in weight

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 17 below, 4.8% activeformulation pre-treated SAP (with no buffer) exhibited an immediateurine malodor reduction. As more urine was added to the treated SAP, themalodor remained at least 50% lower compared to the control.

TABLE 17 Time Control Treated SAP 0 min. 7  2 <2 (chlorine odor) 1 min.7 1-2 1-2 (amine odor) >2 min. 7 <1 0-2 (chlorine odor) 1-2 (amine odor)Additional 3 drops urine (total 6 drops urine) 0 min. 7-8 2-5 1(chlorine odor) 0 (amide odor) >1 min. 6-7 <2 <1 (chlorine odor) 1-2(amide odor) Additional 3 drops urine (total 9 drops urine) 0 min. 8 2 >1 min. 6-7 1-2 0 (chlorine odor) 1-2 (amine odor) Additional 3 dropsurine (total 12 drops urine) 0 min. 8-9 3-5 >1 min. 8-9 <3 1-2 (chlorineodor) >2 min. 7-8 <3 <1 (chlorine odor) 1-2 (other odor) Additional 3drops urine (total 15 drops urine) 0 min. >1 min.  8+  3 <1 (chlorineodor) 1-2 (amide odor) >2 min.  8+  3 0 (chlorine odor) 1-2 (amide odor)Additional 5 drops urine (total 20 drops urine) 0 min. >1 min. 8 3-4 >2min. 8 2-3 1 (chlorine odor) 2 (other odor) Additional 11 drops urine(total 31 drops urine) 0 min. >1 min.  8+ 2-3 5-6 (ammonia odor) 3(ammonia odor) >2 min. 8  1 <5 (ammonia odor) 0 (chlorine odor) 1 (amineodor) 2 (ammonia odor) Additional 9 drops urine (total 40 drops urine) 0min. >1 min. 8-9 <1 5-6 (ammonia odor) 5 (ammonia odor) >2 min. 8-9 <15-6 (ammonia odor) 0 (chlorine odor) 0 (amide odor) 5-6 (ammonia odor)

Example 17

Materials and Methods

0.3 grams dry Chloramine-T was applied to 6 grams super absorbentpolymer (SAP) (˜4.8 wt % active compound, 0.05 grams active compound pergram of SAP) for a first sample with no buffer. A second samplecontained 6 grams SAP, 0.3 grams Chloramine-T and 0.5 grams sodiumbicarbonate (buffer) was added (˜4.4 wt % active compound). Human urineobtained from a person observing a coffee diet was used for testing.

One drop of human urine was initially applied to the SAP samples.Additional 2-50 more drops human urine were applied to the SAP samplesfor an eventual total of 350 (about 18 mL) drops per sample.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 18 below, active formulationpre-treated SAP (with and without buffer) exhibited an immediate urinemalodor reduction and maintained that malodor reduction even when moreurine was added to the SAP. However, the pre-treated SAP maintained alow chlorine odor, which decreased upon increased urine application,while the control exhibited no chlorine odor and high urine malodor.

TABLE 18 Control Sample First Sample Second Sample Odor size: 0.5 grams(no buffer) (with buffer) 1 drop human urine Urine Odor 1 0 0 ChlorineOdor 0 1 1 Additional 2 drops human urine (total of 3 drops) Urine Odor1 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0 1 1 Additional 3 drops human urine (total of 6drops) Urine Odor 1 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0 1-2 1-2 Mix Urine Odor 2 0 0Chlorine Odor 0 2 2 Additional 6 drops human urine (total of 12 drops)Urine Odor 2-3 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0 2-3 2-3 Mix Urine Odor 2-3 0 0Chlorine Odor 0 2-3 2-3 Additional 6 drops human urine (total of 18drops) Urine Odor 2-3 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0 2-3 2-3 Mix Urine Odor 2-3 0 0Chlorine Odor 0 2-3 2-3 Additional 12 drops human urine (total of 30drops) Urine Odor 3 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0 2 2 Mix Urine Odor 3 0 0Chlorine Odor 0 3 3 Additional 25 drops human urine (total of 55 drops)Urine Odor 4 0 0 Chlorine Odor 2-3 2-3 0 Mix Urine Odor 4 0 0 ChlorineOdor 2-3 2-3 0 Additional 25 drops human urine (total of 80 drops) UrineOdor 4 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0 2-3 2-3 Additional 20 drops human urine(total of 100 drops) Urine Odor 5 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0 2 2 Additional 25drops human urine (total of 125 drops) Urine Odor  5+ 0 0 Chlorine Odor0 1-2 1-2 Additional 25 drops human urine (total of 150 drops) UrineOdor 5-6 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0  1+  1+ Additional 50 drops human urine(total of 200 drops) Urine Odor 6 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0  1+  1+ Mix UrineOdor 6 0-1 0-1 Chlorine Odor 0 2 2 Additional 50 drops human urine(total of 250 drops) Urine Odor 5 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0 1  <0.5 Additional50 drops human urine (total of 300 drops) Urine Odor 5-6 0 1 ChlorineOdor 0 1  <0.5 Additional 50 drops human urine (total of 350 drops)Urine Odor 5-6 0 1-2 Chlorine Odor 0  <0.5 0 Mix Urine Odor 6 1-2 2-3Chlorine Odor 0 0 0 After 50 minutes Urine Odor 6 <1  2 Chlorine Odor 00 0

Example 18

Materials and Methods

0.06 grams dry Chloramine-T was applied to 6 grams super absorbentpolymer (SAP) (˜1.0 wt % active compound, 0.01 grams active compound pergram of SAP) with no buffer. In a separate sample. 0.06 grams of dryBENZ was applied to 6 grams SAP. Human urine was used for testing.

Ten drops of human urine were initially applied to the SAP samples.Additional 10-20 drops of human urine were applied periodically to theSAP samples for an eventual total of 200 drops per sample.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 19 below, both chloramine-Tand BENZ worked well in reducing the odor. The treated SAP samples bothmaintained a low chlorine odor, while the control exhibited no chlorineodor and high urine malodor.

TABLE 19 Control Sample Chloramine-T Sample BENZ Sample Odor size: 0.5grams size: 0.5 grams size: 0.5 grams 10 drops human urine Urine Odor 20 Chlorine Odor 0 1 Additional 10 drops human urine (total of 20 drops)Urine Odor 2 0 Chlorine Odor 0 <1  Additional 10 drops human urine(total of 30 drops) Urine Odor 2-3 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0 <1  <1 Mix UrineOdor 2-3 0 Chlorine Odor 0 <1  Additional 10 drops human urine (total of40 drops) Urine Odor 3 0 Chlorine Odor 0 1 Mix Urine Odor 3 0 ChlorineOdor 0  1+ Additional 20 drops human urine (total of 60 drops) UrineOdor  3+ 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0 1 <1 Mix Urine Odor 3-4 0 Chlorine Odor 0 1+ Additional 20 drops human urine (total of 80 drops) Urine Odor 4 0Chlorine Odor 0 1 Additional 20 drops human urine (total of 100 drops)Urine Odor 4 0 0 Chlorine Odor 0 <1  <0.5 Additional 20 drops humanurine (total of 120 drops) Urine Odor 5 0 Chlorine Odor 0  <0.5Additional 20 drops human urine (total of 140 drops) Urine Odor  5+ 1Chlorine Odor 0  <0.5 Additional 20 drops human urine (total of 160drops) Urine Odor 5 1 Chlorine Odor 0 0 Additional 20 drops human urine(total of 180 drops) Urine Odor 5 1 Chlorine Odor 0 0 Additional 20drops human urine (total of 200 drops) Urine Odor 5  1+ 1 Chlorine Odor0 0 <<0.5

Example 19

Materials and Methods

Adult incontinence products were evaluated for odor control. Depends®for Women (size S/M) and Depends® Silhouettes were non-fragrancedproducts. Always® Discreet was a fragranced underwear version. The sidesof all products were cut so that the products would lay flat. Thetopsheets of the treated products were cut and folded back so that thetop part of the absorbent material (core) could be sprayed evenly with asolution of 1% BENZ and 0.5% sodium bicarbonate buffer. 120 sprays wereapplied and allowed to air dry. The total amount of active compound overthe surface area of the core was 0.156 grams active per gram ofabsorbent material. The topsheet was placed back over the core and theurine specimen was applied to the topsheet. The urine specimen wascollected at first morning void (overnight urine) from female onasparagus diet. 150 mL of urine was applied to each test product.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 20 below, the treated sampleshad a much lower odor, both compared to their original odor and comparedto the untreated samples at each time point.

TABLE 20 Time Depends ® Women Always ® Discreet Depends ® Silhouettes(min.) Untreated Treated Untreated Treated Untreated Treated 0.5 7 5 7 66 4 1.5 7 4 6.5-7   3 6 3 3 6.5-7   3.5 6.5-7   3 6 2 7 6.5 3 6.5  2-2.5 5.5 2 10   6-6.5   2-2.5   6-6.5 1 5.5 2 30   6-6.5 1.5-2   6  0-0.5 5.5 <2 1440   6-6.5 2 6.5-7   0.5 6 1

Example 20

Materials and Methods

The test of Example 19 was performed for a longer time period.

Depends® for Women (size S/M) was a non-fragranced product. Always®Discreet was a fragranced product. The sides of all products were cut sothat the products would lay flat. The topsheets of the treated productswere cut and folded back so that the top part of the absorbent material(core) could be sprayed evenly with a solution of 1% BENZ and 0.5%sodium bicarbonate buffer. 120 sprays were applied and allowed to airdry. The total amount of active compound over the surface area of thecore was 0.156 grams active compound per product. For an absorbent coreof about 16.8 grams, this results in 0.009 grams of active compound pergram of absorbent core. For an absorbent core of about 19.2 grams, thisresults in 0.008 grams of active compound per gram of absorbent core.The topsheet was placed back over the core. As another test, on one ofthe Always® Discreet products, the 1% BENZ solution was sprayed on thetopsheet, but not on the core. The urine specimen was collected at firstmorning void (overnight urine) from female on asparagus diet. 150 mL ofurine was applied to the top sheet of each test product.

Results

As shown in the odor scale scores of Table 21 below, the treated sampleshad a much lower odor, both compared to their original odor and comparedto the untreated samples at each time point out to 3 days. Applicationto the core and to the topsheet was equally effective in odor reduction.The odor of the treated products was approximately 25% that of theuntreated products even after 3 days.

TABLE 21 Always ® Discreet Time Depends ® Women Core Topsheet (min.)Untreated Treated Untreated Treated Treated 0.5 8 2.5 7 4 3 1-2 7 2 7 32 3 6.5 1.5 6 2.5 1.5 7 6.5   1-1.5 6 1.5 1.5 10 6 1 6 1.5 1 60 6 1.5 61.5 1 90 7 2 150 7 2.5-3 6.5 1.5 1.5 4320 7-8 2 7 1 0.5-1 (3 days)

Example 21

Materials and Methods

Always® Ultra Thin Pad (Long Super) and U by Kotex® (Ultra Thin Long)pads were evaluated for odor control with menses. The control productswere untreated. For the treated products, the topsheet of the pads werecut and folded back to expose the absorbent material (core). The testproducts were treated with 7 sprays of a formulation containing 5% BENZand 0.75% sodium bicarbonate, sprayed evenly over the core, for a totalof about 0.045 grams active compound per feminine pad. The core(absorbent material) of the pad was about 5 grams, so there was about0.009 grams of active compound per gram of absorbent material. The coreswere allowed to air dry. The topsheet was secured back over the core inpreparation for use.

Panelists alternated between using control pads and treated pads duringtheir menstrual cycle.

Results

Results are shown in FIG. 6. As seen there, the treated samples had alower odor compared to the untreated samples. The odors were lower onthe Kotex® pads whether treated or untreated. The results indicated thatthe sulfonamide compound would also reduce the odor of menses (not justurine).

Example 22

Materials and Methods

Three non-fragranced training pet pads were used as test products. Onepad was the control, and was not modified. A second non-fragranced padwas sprayed with Nature's Miracle®, a commercially available odorcontrol product. The third non-fragranced pad was sprayed with aformulation (FBT) containing 0.75% BENZ and 0.15% chloramine-T. Thetotal amount of active sulfonamide compound on the tested substrate wasabout 0.07 grams. For these two spray treated products, the non-woventopsheet was lifted back, so that the test product could be sprayedevenly onto the absorbent material. The products were allowed to air dryfor 24+ hours. The topsheets were then replaced over the absorbentmaterial. A fourth test product was a Nature's Miracle® fragranced petpad. All four pads were tested by applying mink urine to the topsheetand evaluating the odor over time. Each drop of mink urine wasapproximately 0.02 grams in weight.

Results

Results are shown in Table 22 and in FIG. 7. The three treated padsdisplayed odor reduction compared to the control. However, only the padsprayed with the active sulfonamide compound maintained the odorreduction over time.

TABLE 22 Time Example Nature's Miracle Nature's Miracle (min.) Control(FBT) Sprayed Fragranced Pad 0 9 9 9 9 0.5 9 4 6 3.5 2 8.5 3 4 2.5 5 5.52 5 5 15 8 2 7 6

Example 23

Materials and Methods

Three drops of undiluted mink urine was applied to each of threebeakers. Each drop was about 0.02 grams in weight. One spray of ODOGard®Odor Eliminator (i.e. the FBT formulation) was applied to one beaker.The spray delivered about 1.25 to 1.35 ml of total formulation,resulting in about 0.01 grams of total active sulfonamide compound. Onespray of Nature's Miracle® 3 in 1 Odor Destroyer was applied to a secondbeaker. A control beaker was not treated. Odor was evaluated over time.Each drop was about 0.02 grams in weight.

Results

Results are shown in Table 23 and in FIG. 8. Only the ODOGard® OdorEliminator eliminated the odor, and maintained the odor reduction for 2days.

It is believed that the Nature's Miracle® product combines both maskingfragrances with enzymes. When first applied to the urine, the fragranceintensity is so high that it is difficult to detect the urine odor. Asthe fragrance goes away, the underlying urine odor, which was alwaysthere, becomes detectable. Additionally, the enzymatic approach toneutralizing odor-causing molecules takes longer. In contrast, theODOGard® containing the active sulfonamide compound works quickly andover long periods of time. This quickly eliminates the odor-causingmolecules so they cannot be smelled.

TABLE 23 Time Example Nature's Miracle (min.) Control (FBT) 3-in-1 OdorDestroyer 0 10 4 1 0.25 9 2 4 0.5 9 0 5 1 9 0 5 2880 0 5 (2 days)

Example 24

Materials and Methods

The experiment of Example 23 comparing ODOGard® Odor Eliminator withNature's Miracle® 3 in 1 Odor Destroyer was repeated for a longer timeperiod. Three drops of undiluted mink urine were applied to a hardsurface, and the two odor-controlling compositions were sprayed onceonto the urine. 15 minutes later, a second spray was applied to theurine. Each spray of ODOGard® Odor Eliminator (i.e. the FBT formulation)delivered about 1.25 to 1.35 ml of total formulation, resulting in atotal applied formulation amount of about 2.5 to 2.7 ml and a totalamount of about 0.02 grams of active sulfonamide compound.

Results

Results are shown in Table 24. Again, the ODOGard® Odor Eliminatoreliminated the odor, performing better than Nature's Miracle® at alltimes. The ODOGard® Odor Eliminator also maintained the odor reductionbetter for 2 days.

TABLE 23 Time Example Nature's Miracle (min.) (FBT) 3-in-1 OdorDestroyer First Spray 0 5 5 1 4 6 2 3 7 3.5 2 8 5 2 8 11 2 7 15 2 7Second Spray 16 1 5 17 1 6 18 1 6-7 20 1 7 21 0-1 7 24 0-1 7 26 0-1 72880 0 8 (2 days)

DISCUSSION

As seen in the Examples, the use of the active sulfonamide compoundreduces, and often eliminates, urine malodors. These compounds wereeffective at very low concentrations on a wide variety of articles,including cores, topsheets, and SAP. This high rate of success indicatesthat the active formulations may be applied to a wide variety of othermaterials, including adhesives, backsheets, and fluff.

Using a ratio of about 0.1-1 mg active compound per 1 mL urine, urinemalodor was significantly reduced, indicating that lower concentrationsof such a composition are still efficient. The addition of a buffer wasnot necessary to achieve this effect. However, buffers are helpful forcombating odors from very acidic urine because they prevent the activecompound from being deactivated due to acidic pH.

In addition, the sulfonamide compounds reduced odor over long periods oftime, i.e. days and weeks, as seen in many of the Tables. By treatingarticles with such compositions, odor may be severely reduced oreliminated until time for permanent disposal can be made.

As shown in Tables 17-19, super absorbent polymer (SAP) can be treatedwith aqueous or solid forms of the active sulfonamide compound.

The present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon reading and understanding the preceding detaileddescription. It is intended that the present disclosure be construed asincluding all such modifications and alterations insofar as they comewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An odor-controlling article, comprising: anabsorbent substrate having thereon a halo active aromatic sulfonamidecompound of Formula (I):

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen,COOR′, CON(R″)₂, alkoxy, CN, NO₂, SO₃R″, halogen, substituted orunsubstituted phenyl, sulfonamide, halosulfonamide, and substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; R′ is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkalineearth metal, substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl;and R″ is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, wherethe two R″ groups in CON(R″)₂ may be independently selected; X ishalogen; M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; and n is the number ofwater molecules per molecule of the sulfonamide compound; wherein thehalo active aromatic sulfonamide compound is present in the amount ofabout 0.0002 to about 6 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) of absorbentcapacity of the absorbent substrate; and wherein the halo activearomatic sulfonamide compound is a solid or is encapsulated in awater-soluble shell.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the halo activearomatic sulfonamide compound is present in the amount of about 0.0002to about 1 mg/mL of absorbent capacity of the absorbent substrate. 3.The article of claim 1, wherein the halo active aromatic sulfonamidecompound is present in the amount of about 0.1 to about 1 mg/mL ofabsorbent capacity of the absorbent substrate.
 4. The article of claim1, wherein R₃ is substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or is COOR′,wherein R′ is an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, substitutedC₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl.
 5. The article of claim 1,wherein the halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound isN-chloro-4-carboxybenzenesulfonamide.
 6. The article of claim 1, whereinthe absorbent substrate also includes a buffering agent thereon.
 7. Thearticle of claim 6, wherein the buffering agent is sodium bicarbonate.8. The article of claim 6, wherein the weight ratio of the halo activearomatic sulfonamide compound to the buffering agent is from about 50:1to about 1:1.
 9. The article of claim 6, wherein the buffering agent ispresent in a quantity sufficient to obtain a pH of 7.0 to 9.0 when theabsorbent substrate is wetted.
 10. The article of claim 1, wherein thearticle further comprises an alcohol, a surfactant, or a fragrance. 11.The article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent substrate is made from apolymer, a non-woven material, cellulosic fiber, or wood fluff.
 12. Thearticle of claim 1, wherein the article is a diaper, an adultincontinence article, a feminine pad, pet pad, food pad, or otherabsorbent pad.
 13. The article of claim 1, containing a total of about10 mg to about 1000 mg of the halo active sulfonamide compound.
 14. Thearticle of claim 1, wherein the halo active aromatic sulfanomidecompound is a solid, and the absorbent substrate is a super absorbentpolymer.
 15. A wipe, comprising: a non-woven material having thereon ahalo active aromatic sulfonamide compound of Formula (I):

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen,COOR′, CON(R″)₂, alkoxy, CN, NO₂, SO₃R″, halogen, substituted orunsubstituted phenyl, sulfonamide, halosulfonamide, and substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; R′ is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkalineearth metal, substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl;and R″ is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, wherethe two R″ groups in CON(R″)₂ may be independently selected; X ishalogen; M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; and n is the number ofwater molecules per molecule of the sulfonamide compound; wherein thehalo active aromatic sulfonamide compound is present in the amount ofabout 0.001 to about 1.0 grams per gram of the non-woven material; andwherein the halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound is a solid or isencapsulated in a water-soluble shell.
 16. A method of reducing odor fora time period of at least 168 hours, comprising: receiving an odorousliquid in an article comprising: an absorbent member having thereon ahalo active aromatic sulfonamide compound of Formula (I):

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen,COOR′, CON(R″)₂, alkoxy, CN, NO₂, SO₃R″, halogen, substituted orunsubstituted phenyl, sulfonamide, halosulfonamide, and substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; R′ is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkalineearth metal, substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl;and R″ is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, wherethe two R″ groups in CON(R″)₂ may be independently selected; X ishalogen; M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; and n is the number ofwater molecules per molecule of the sulfonamide compound; wherein thehalo active aromatic sulfonamide compound is present in the amount ofabout 0.0002 to about 6 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) of absorbentcapacity of the absorbent member; and wherein the halo active aromaticsulfonamide compound is a solid or is encapsulated in a water-solubleshell.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the odor of the liquid is atmost 40% of the original odor after one week.
 18. A filter or othermedium, comprising: a substrate having thereon a halo active aromaticsulfonamide compound of Formula (I):

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen,COOR′, CON(R″)₂, alkoxy, CN, NO₂, SO₃R″, halogen, substituted orunsubstituted phenyl, sulfonamide, halosulfonamide, and substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; R′ is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkalineearth metal, substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl;and R″ is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, wherethe two R″ groups in CON(R″)₂ may be independently selected; X ishalogen; M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; and n is the number ofwater molecules per molecule of the sulfonamide compound; wherein thehalo active aromatic sulfonamide compound is present in the amount ofabout 0.001 to about 1.0 grams per gram of the substrate; and whereinthe halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound is a solid or isencapsulated in a water-soluble shell.
 19. The article of claim 1,wherein the halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound is encapsulated ina water-soluble shell.